Gather at the Well: Season 2 Episode 7 | Understanding and Healing Compassion Fatigue (Lindsey Fuller + Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison)
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Overview
In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison (or Dr. J, as many call her) to explore the often unspoken reality of compassion fatigue in human-centered work.
Physical exhaustion? Increased irritability? Social withdrawal? These might be signs of compassion fatigue—and you're not alone. Dr. J connects her personal experience with practical wisdom for creating policies that actually support the humans doing this important work. As she reminds us: "People want to do their best. As a system it's our responsibility to give them all the tools so they can do their best."
You’ll learn:
• How to recognize compassion fatigue before reaching crisis point
• Why policies created without input from those most impacted rarely succeed
• Practical ways to build authentic check-ins into your team culture
Whether you're a teacher, nonprofit leader, or anyone committed to human-centered change, join us for this important conversation. Because naming compassion fatigue is the first step toward healing it. 👊
Affirmations
My worth is not measured by my output.
I lead with compassion, and I extend that same compassion to myself.
I release the need to carry everything alone.
I am allowed to need what I give so freely to others.
Healing is not a destination—it’s a practice. And I am practicing.
Homework:
Start the Conversation Around Compassion Fatigue:
Find the next natural moment to bring compassion fatigue into the conversation—with HR, leadership, or your team. Make sure resources and support are easy to find and even easier to talk about.
Make Check-Ins More Meaningful:
Reflect on how your meetings begin. A simple shift in your opener can create space for empathy, connection, and care. Try questions that invite people to share how they’re really doing, what they need, or how they’re tending to themselves.Takeaways:
Compassion fatigue is the emotional toll from working with distressed individuals.
Teachers often experience secondary trauma from their students’ experiences.
Signs of compassion fatigue include include irritability, social withdrawal, and emotional exhaustion.
Awareness and tools for self-care are crucial for educators.
Compassion fatigue can be addressed through structured support systems.
Resilience is a key factor in overcoming challenges in education.
Investing in staff well-being is essential for student success.
Hope can be found in the work being done for marginalized communities.
Resources Mentioned:
Professional quality of life scale
5 Love Languages Book
Professional Authenticity Episode
Buy Dr. J’s book
Today’s Speaker
Lindsey Fuller, Executive Director of The Teaching Well
Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison, Leader of Cal Berkeley’s CREEO Center.
“Often policies are written without the people who will be implementing them.”
Episode Transcript
Download Full Episode Transcript Here
Episode Highlights
Grounding Somatic (2:00)
Defining Compassion Fatigue (5:00)
Signs and Impact of Compassion Fatigue (13:00)
Policy and Systemic Solutions for Organizational Support (19:00)
Somatic Pause: Self Compassion Meditation (30:00)
Case Studies + Positive Workplace Approaches (35:00)
Powerful Quotes
“When you have the ability to put yourself in somebody else's shoes, you can feel what they’re feeling. If you feel that, without the capacity to deal with things, that can take a toll.” -Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison
“The social sector encompasses anyone who does service work caring for other people to enhance society.” - Lindsey Fuller
“We owe people this professional courtesy and professional respect.” - Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison
“Because people don’t talk about it, people don’t know what is happening to them.”- Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison
“People want to do their best. As a system it’s our responsibility to give them all the tools so they can do their best.” - Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison
“Policy is a solution to an issue or a problem. There’s something happening, we need solutions for how to make this work.” - Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison
“Let’s talk about our educators and what they need.” - Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison
Connect with Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison
Connect with Lindsey
Connect with Jon
Connect with Becky
Connect with We Are For Good
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